Stephen L. Desmarais

He leaves his wife of 34 years, Rhoda Spaulding; a son, John Desmarais of Worcester; a daughter, Michelle Oswald of Holden; a brother, Larry Desmarais and his wife Sandra of Wolcott, Conn.; two sisters, Patricia Taylor of Somerset, Ky. and Jeanne Kahn of Waterbury, Conn.; a granddaughter, Ashley Oswald, who shared the same birthday as her grandfather; many nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.

Stephen was born in Burlington, Vt., son of Leonard and Dorothy (Merchant). He was a graduate of Rice Memorial High School in Burlington and lived in Holden for more than 32 years. He was a technician in the plastic engineering industry for most of his life. Stephen had many talents, including being an accomplished musician, playing the guitar in his band "The Volcanos." He enjoyed word puzzles, was an avid reader, loved to travel, enjoyed sport cars and had a great sense of humor. Stephen had a great sense of dignity and strength throughout his life, which carried him through his illness with great courage.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, in Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. There are no calling hours. His body was donated to the University of Massachusetts Medical School for medical education and research. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to: UMass Memorial Hospice PO Box 2795, Worcester, MA 01613. (mercadantefuneral.com)